FDA wants restrictions on teen tanning bed use

William Atkins
Saturday, 27 March 2010 00:50

Science - Health

A FDA advisory panel recommended on March 25, 2010, that the use of tanning beds in the United States be restricted for children and teenagers. Growing evidence shows that tanning beds can cause skin cancer especially when used young in life.

 

 

The sixteen-member FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advisory panel, called the General and Plastic Surgery Devices panel (which is part of the larger Medical Devices Advisory Committee, is currently reviewing its options with respect to its recommendations to the FDA on the use of tanning beds.

According to the FDA advisory panel, there is increasing scientific evidence that points to a direct relationship between increased risk from skin cancer and the use of tanning beds and lamps.

The panel states, within the website March 25, 2010: General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement, 'There continues to be a growing body of literature showing association of skin cancer with use of tanning lamps and the committee will discuss this information and other information related to the association of UV and skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma).'

A tanning bed (or sunbed) is a device that emits ultraviolet radiation in order to produce a cosmetic tan to the human body. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays. UV radiation is found naturally in sunlight, and it is also produced artificially in black lights, electric arc, and other types of light-producing devices.

UV radiation is scientifically and medically known to cause skin cancer and skin burning, cataracts of the eyes, suppression of the immune system, and premature aging of the skin when humans are exposed to it in excessive amounts. Since tanning beds emit UV radiation under normal working conditions, the FDA is investigating their safety to users.

The advisory panel has already announced that it will recommend that the following restriction be made:

'¢    Children and teenagers, under the age of 18 years, would need parental consent before using tanning beds and lamps.

Page two continues with further possible restrictions by the FDA.